Notes are posted in this wiki to support your use of the Myth Log as you read.

Assignments



HW due Friday 3/30
Choose one of our Big Ideas (universality, archetypes, cultural diffusion) and write an essay discussing this theme, using examples from 3 or more myths (not all from the same culture). Remember to use your essay-writing skills!


HW due Tuesday 3/13
Find two myths from DIFFERENT cultures that seem to you to connect in theme, message, and/or structure. Write a compare/contrast essay relating the two myths.
  • Introduce main idea
  • Provide a synopsis of each myth (not a retell!)
  • Relate them (remember King Midas' Golden Touch and Freya's necklace)
  • Conclusion should discuss UNIVERSALITY of human condition

HW due 3/6
Archetypes chart

HW due Tues 2/28
Finish the story of Scarface; this should be a couple of pages or so. Predict the rest of the story based on what you know of story structure and mythology.
ALSO - start to think about the archetypes we discussed in class on Friday. No written work on archetypes is expected yet, but you should be ready to sort your stickies into different groups according to these types.

ESSAY due Wednesday 2/15 (assigned Friday 2/10)
Discuss how a civilization's climate and natural resources contribute to its culture. How do the myths show the values that arise from this physical environment? Consider the importance of physical strength in warriors, wit and wisdom; why would these traits be considered especially important? Use examples from myths to support your ideas.

HW due Friday 2/10
READ and ANALYZE for monomyth structure: Odin's quests; Perseus, and ONE OTHER (your choice)

HW due Tuesday 2/7
READ: Norse myths - The thicker packet is a collection of stories, and is an entertaining, fairly easy read. The other packet has stories along with some helpful charts and lists.
WRITE: Post to this wiki FIVE or more characters with all pertinent details. If you have difficulty getting in, see me by Monday for assistance.

HW due Friday 2/3
READ: Myths and Their Meanings, section on Norse mythology (4 chapters)
Continue taking notes in Myth Log. Look for examples of each type of myth and each characteristic.
THINK: How is Norse mythology similar or different from Greek/Roman?

HW due Tuesday 1/31
READ and start building your myth log with examples of each type. Note characteristics as well.